Ambassador Case study September 2009

September 2009 - Nuffield Bursary Placement at Lifescan, Inverness

Ambassador – Leanne Mills, LifeScan Scotland

Event -  Bridge to Employment programme - Nuffield Bursary Placement

Date - June 2009

LifeScan Scotland is part of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies. The Johnson & Johnson Bridge to Employment programme encourages young people to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM subjects) by providing activities such as workshops, teacher placements and mentoring. It aims to encourage more students to enrol in further education and to address the health care worker shortage.

One of the first senior pupils to benefit from the programme was Emma Batchen, a sixth year pupil from Invergordon Academy.  After completing a one week work placement with us, part of her Advanced Higher Biology project, we were able to offer Emma a Nuffield Bursary placement.  This scheme is aimed at 5th year school or college students who are interested in the STEM subjects. The aim is to allow the students to carry out a 4-6 week research or development project in an academic or industry organisation during the summer vacation. Unlike work experience schemes, students carry out projects that are well-defined, have an outcome that is achievable within the time available and that will make a contribution to the work of the host organisation.

During her six week placement Emma worked as an enzymologist studying various biochemical aspects of the fungal enzyme FAD-GDH.  As a result of her learnings, Emma manufactured prototype glucose sensors to work in whole blood. She saw how a science degree translates into the workplace, whilst getting the chance to work in a real lab and experience working for a leading life science company.

Personally I got great satisfaction from mentoring someone as keen and as talented as Emma and I feel proud to have helped her take her initial steps into the world of work.

Emma added: “My experience at LifeScan has shown me that science isn't just the stereotypical serious career that is sometimes perceived but is extremely interesting with a fun side as well.
 
“Over my summer placement I learnt a great deal of practical skills that will help at university, as well as improving my confidence by working within a great team.

Chris Leach and Leanne Mills from Lifescan with Emma and her teacher Karen Coulshed from Invergordon Academy at the Nuffield Celebration Event in Edinburgh: